"Chief Executive Officer"

Job Details

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

arXiv is a curated research sharing platform built by scientists, for scientists. A pioneer of open-access science for over 30 years, arXiv now hosts over 2.7 million scholarly articles covering more than 150 categories across eight subject areas. Researchers wake up with arXiv because they know new ideas appear on arXiv first. arXiv distributes around 1,000 new articles every five days. These articles are always free to read. arXiv removes the barriers to scholarship and provides a critical service to tens of thousands of researchers worldwide. arXiv’s mission as a scientific platform is to be an open, accessible repository where researchers can share and discover new, relevant, and emerging science and establish their contributions to advancing research. As the premier international research-sharing platform for scientific articles across eight categories, including mathematics, physics, computer science, and economics, arXiv employees and volunteers serve more than 5 million monthly users and have delivered 3.2 billion downloads to date.

After decades of productive partnership with Cornell University, and with support from the Simons Foundation, arXiv is establishing itself as an independent nonprofit organization, marking the next stage in its 35-year history as a pioneer of open-access science. This exciting transition will allow for faster technological development, greater organizational flexibility, expanded partnerships, and long-term financial sustainability. Independence enables arXiv to keep up with all elements of its evolution; modernize its infrastructure, expand subject coverage, and engage more deeply with international stakeholders. This next chapter will ensure that arXiv continues serving tens of thousands of researchers worldwide with the same dedication to free and open scientific discovery that has so far earned it the prominence and respect of this exacting community.

arXiv’s current annual budget is approximately $6 million and its community-based funding model includes revenue from multiple sources such as foundations, membership program and fees from universities, libraries, laboratories, and research institutes, contributions from affiliates & partners such as professional societies, government agencies, and nonprofits, sponsorship from organizations and companies benefiting from arXiv’s services provide financial or in-kind, and individual & foundation gifts.

arXiv currently employs approximately 27 staff members, most of whom work remotely, primarily in the U.S.

THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Reporting directly to an inaugural board of directors, the chief executive officer (CEO) will be responsible for all aspects of arXiv, including strategic planning, financial management, technical infrastructure, personnel oversight and stakeholder engagement. The CEO will create, inspire, and lead an outstanding arXiv team and dozens of volunteer scientists. Additional responsibilities include establishing the strategic vision and direction setting, philanthropic development, cultivating alliances and partnerships, and representing arXiv in the community and media. Importantly, the CEO will work closely with board member representatives of Cornell University and the Simons Foundation to establish the organization’s independence and will lead its next phase of modernization, accessibility and strategic growth.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Qualified candidates will possess many of the following attributes, characteristics and experience:

• Progressively responsible executive leadership experience in an academic or nonprofit institution or related fields, such as online publishing and academic libraries.
• Strong operational and financial management of complex nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of leading, developing, and motivating high-performing teams who are experts in their fields. Experience with organizations reliant on volunteers is additive.
• Academic eminence, ideally in one of the major fields represented by arXiv, including Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science; a demonstrated commitment to and experience advocating for open science is a plus.
• A track record of successful fundraising or other revenue generation; cultivating and stewarding major donors, such as individuals, foundations, and private institutions.
• A track record of successful partnership development, with experience in establishing trust and cultivating beneficial relationships with multiple stakeholders, with skill in facilitating discussions and inspiring effective decision-making within academic communities.

THE SEARCH PROCESS

Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, has been retained by arXiv to help identify and recruit the next CEO. For confidential nominations and expressions of interest, please contact Spencer Stuart at arXivCEO@SpencerStuart.com.

The salary range for this position is expected to be within the range of $300,000; the actual salary offered may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.